Antimicrobial silver hydrogel composition for the treatment of burns and wounds

ABSTRACT

An antimicrobial therapeutic hydrogel composition comprises a pharmaceutical and/or medical grade silver salt, and an  Aloe vera  gel or extract. The composition could also include stabilizing agents, a non-ionic surfactant, polyol, and hydrophilic hygroscopic polymers. The resulting product has potent antimicrobial activity against bacteria, protozoa, fungi and viruses. The antimicrobial therapeutic composition can serve as a treatment for burns and as a wound/lesion dressing that either donates or receives moisture to provide a physiologic environment for accelerated wound healing and the relief of pain.

BACKGROUND

One aspect of the present invention relates to a therapeutic hydrogelcomposition where a stabilized form of an antimicrobial complex silversalt is incorporated and further stabilized within a matrix of differentpolymers and other excipients to form an antimicrobial dressing withproperties of pain relief and optimal and accelerated wound healing bycreating a dynamic physiological environment suitable for treatment ofburns and wounds/lesions.

Bacteria, fungi, and viruses present significant challenges to woundhealing, and increase morbidity and mortality. Subsequent woundcomplications may range from delayed healing, to local and widespreadinfections, and possible death. Treatment of wounds/lesions such as, butnot limited to, second and third degree burns, pressure ulcers, diabeticulcers, surgical wounds, and various skin abrasions can be difficult totreat in part due to possible infections from microorganisms; and therise in incidence of superinfections and multiple drug resistantmicroorganisms.

Infected wounds disrupt the three main phases in wound healing byprolonging the initial inflammatory phase ordinarily lasting one to fivedays. Once prolonged the second phase known as the proliferative phasegenerally lasting three to four weeks, and the final phase ofepithelialization and tissue remodeling cannot follow the normal woundhealing continuum.

Current chemotherapeutic antimicrobial agents have been used topicallyand systemically for treating and preventing infections in wounds formany years. The current therapy of choice for wound infections is theuse of systemic antimicrobials. Systemic use of antimicrobials createsseveral potential problems including side effects and poorbioavailability to the wound site. This approach is also problematicwith the rise in incidence of superinfections with organisms such asEnterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas, and Candida as well as microbial drugresistance leading to difficult to treat infections such as MRSA(Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and vancomycin-resistantenterococcus (VRE).

The use of topical antimicrobial wound dressings have becomesignificantly more important over the last decade especially inimmunocompromised patients such as older adults and patients withdiabetes, HIV, burns and those having surgical wounds. These patientsare at higher risk for chronic wound infections with prolonged healingtimes due to the presence of bacteria at greater than 10⁵ to 10⁶ colonyforming units/g. This burden of bacteria prolongs the inflammatory phaseof wound healing and inhibits the proliferative phase due to increase inprotease levels. Consequently, the third phase of wound healing, theepithelialization and tissue remodeling phase, cannot proceed if theinitial phases do not advance appropriately.

One of the potential issues faced with chronic wounds is theprolongation of the initial or inflammatory phase due to infection aspreviously described. Bacteria growth can also lead to changes inmetabolic demand with increased levels of protease enzymes. This problemis especially pronounced in diabetic wounds where abnormal metabolicfunctions are already present. In addition, increased levels ofextracellular glucose in diabetic wounds provide an excellent growthmedia for organisms. As previously mentioned, bioburden microorganismdensities greater than 10⁵-10⁶ colony forming units/g are considered athreshold for delayed wound healing and pathology. These wounds haveincreased exudate, odor, pain and change in color and texture of thewounded tissue. Even in the absence of these signs, infection should beconsidered if a wound fails to heal in a timely manner. Delay in woundhealing may also be due to immune incompetency or poor circulation thatis not uncommon in older adults. Wounds such as venous stasis ulcers anddecubital ulcers are excellent examples of these types of wounds.

Due to increases in hospital acquired infections with highlymulti-drug-resistant bacteria and fungi, surgical wounds are also atrisk for infection that can lead to dehiscence or serious delays inhealing.

Another health burden seen worldwide, primarily affecting children andyoung healthy adults are burns. The American Burn Association reported450,000 patients were treated for burns in hospital emergencydepartments, hospital outpatient clinics, freestanding urgent carecenters or private physician offices. Heat burns and scalds serve as theprimary source of injury occurring around the house, with young childrenat highest risk. Burns are classified as first, second or third degreeinjuries based on the depth of the injury, with a third degree burnbeing the most severe resulting in a full thickness wound, i.e.extending into the dermis or subcutaneous tissue. Depending on theseverity of the burn, the individual is susceptible to infection.Regardless of the severity the wound is painful. Inflammatory agents arereleased at the burn site causing swelling and pain at the site ofinjury. As previously mentioned, secondary bacterial and fungalinfections are problematic and delay wound healing or cause more seriousconsequences, possibly death. The most common organisms that infect burnwounds are Staphylococcus aureus, Group A Streptococcus, Pseudomonasaeruginosa, and Candida. Each of these organisms have the potential todevelop multi-drug resistance and the potential to be life threatening.

Cutaneous viral infections can create painful skin lesions that aredifficult to heal or take a prolonged time. It is not uncommon for HIVimmunosuppressed patients to experience skin lesions from viralinfections. The most common virus affecting these patients is Herpessimplex virus (HSV). Varicella zoster/Herpes zoster virus (chickenpox/shingles) is also problematic in HIV patients but may also affectolder adults as well as other immunocompromised individuals. Herpeslabialis (cold sores) also caused by HSV is also a common cutaneousviral infection that creates painful lesions at the muco-cutaneousjunction associated with the lips. These lesions occur in all age groupsbut especially with individuals under stress and reducedimmunocompetence. Many other viruses can impact the skin and causedifferent types of lesions such as Human papilloma virus (HPV), Poxvirusand Cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Multiple therapeutic approaches have been utilized to deal with healingissues associated with wound infections and burns. It is now widelyaccepted that moist wound healing is critical for proper healing andacceleration of the process. Combinations of primary dressings, such ashydrogels, or use of different antimicrobial dressings have beenemployed to help address these issues. The most common topicalantibiotics used are mupirocin, clindamycin, erythromycin, gentamicinand the combination of bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B sulfate.These products have limitations related to multi-drug resistance, aswell as their formulations having the potential to delay healing.Tolnaftate, nystatin and amphotericin B have commonly been used astopical antifungals. These agents also have the potential to delayhealing or demonstrate adverse events. Acyclovir ointment is the mostcommon topical drug for treating HSV; however as an ointment it doesn'tprovide wound conditions for optimal healing. Additionally, increasedresistance to acyclovir is a growing concern. Other topical antiviralproducts utilized, such as, penciclovir cream and docosanol cream, haveshown similar problems in regards to their impact on the woundenvironment having little or no effect on healing times, other thantheir antimicrobial effect.

Multiple approaches to treatment are recommended dependent upon theextent and severity of burns. One percent silver sulfadiazine cream isthe most commonly used topical antimicrobial treatment for burns. Alimitation of this product is its hydrophobic base that presents as asignificant problem in removal from the site of injury prior toredressing. Removal can result in significant pain for the patient.Another current treatment of choice, mafenide has a limitation ofaltering acid-base balance of the wound negatively impacting rate ofhealing. Newer silver containing products have been introduced; such asa microlattice synthetic hydrogel product that attempts to address someof the associated problems of semisolid emulsion (creams) basedproducts.

The purpose of the present invention is to impact a burn or wound/lesionby decreasing bioburden, pain, healing time, morbidity, and mortality.

SUMMARY

The design of one aspect of the present invention addresses the currentissues that exist with presently available products. It combines potentantimicrobial agents that offer limited opportunity for development ofmicroorganism resistance with other physiological acceptable keyconstituents that: a) treat and/or prevent wound bioburden b) aid inmaintaining an appropriate wound environment by either receiving ordonating moisture, thereby enhancing immune function thus acceleratinghealing, and c) aid in pain management to provide improved patientcomfort.

It is therefore one embodiment of the invention to provide a topicalantimicrobial burn and wound composition that has broad-spectrumactivity against bacteria, protozoa, fungi and virus infections thatresult in or the result of a wound/lesion.

It is a second embodiment of this invention to provide a therapeutictopical composition that has more potent broad-spectrum antimicrobialactivity than silver salts alone.

It is a third embodiment of this invention to provide a therapeuticcomposition that creates a physiologic environment for optimal and/oraccelerated wound/lesion healing including burns.

It is a fourth embodiment of this invention to provide a therapeuticcomposition that will relieve pain when applied to a wound/lesionincluding burns.

It is a fifth embodiment of this invention to provide a therapeuticcomposition that can function as a wound/lesion dressing that can donateor receive moisture to maintain an appropriate moisture balance forphysiological healing of the wound/lesion including burns.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

One aspect of the current invention comprises a composition containing apharmaceutical or medical grade silver salt, and Aloe vera gel or Aloevera extract including acemannan. It can also contain non-ionic watersoluble polymer thickener, moisturizers and humectants, stabilizers,skin protectant, and allantoin for their varied wound healingproperties.

A silver salt serves as the primary antimicrobial agent in thecomposition. It is well accepted that it is the ionic form of silverthat is antimicrobial. The principle mechanism of action results fromionic silver binding to microbial proteins causing structural changes incell walls and intracellular and nuclear membranes. In addition, it hasbeen shown that silver binds to DNA and RNA, denatures nucleotides andthereby inhibits replication. Silver salts used in the current inventioncan be in the hydrous or anhydrous form. As used herein, the term“anhydrous” means essentially free of water, i.e. less than 10% retainedwater. The term does not mean totally free of water. As used herein, theterm “hydrous” would mean containing water greater than 10% and wouldinclude a concentrate. Examples of silver salts that could be used inthe present invention include, but are not limited to, silver nitrate,silver dihydrogen citrate, silver citrate, silver chloride, silverbenzoate, silver acetate, silver galacturonate, and silver glucuronate.The concentration of ionic silver as a salt formulated in the firstembodiment of the present invention can range from 0.01 ppm to 1000 ppm,a second embodiment with a concentration of 1-100 ppm and a thirdembodiment with a concentration of 5-50 ppm. These concentrations ofionic silver in a topical formulation are not considered toxic. It hasbeen demonstrated and is noteworthy that when a wound dressingcontaining 85 mg 100 cm⁻¹ of ionic silver was applied to the skin ofchronic ulcer patients for four weeks, systemic blood levels of silverwas not significantly different from controls.

The inner clear mucilage gel of Aloe vera, referred to as Aloe vera gel,has been used for centuries to treat and manage wounds. Aloe vera gel isseparated from the rind of the Aloe vera plant by filleting an aloeleaf, separating the inner gel from the outer leaf rind and separatingit from the yellow sap contained within the rind. The inner gel is thenhomogenized and available for use or further processing either as aconcentrate by removal of water or more extensive processing to createan extract. The Aloe vera gel contains a variety of chemical substanceswith a large molecular weight complex carbohydrate, identified and giventhe United States Adopted Name, acemannan. Fundamentally, acemannan thehigh molecular weight carbohydrate polymer of the gel can be separatedeither by alcohol precipitation, column purification orultra-filtration. Aloe vera gel and its principle extract includingacemannan process for preparation and its uses have been described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,735,935, 4,851,224, 4,957,907, 4,959,214, 4,917,890,4,966,892, 5,106,616, 5,118,673, 5,308,838, 5,441,943, 5,703,060,5,760,102 and 5,902,796. The entire contents of each patent are herebyincorporated by reference. Multiple properties have been attributed tothis compound but the most predominant has been its immunomodulationfunction. Included as part of the immunomodulation property is theability to stimulate release of primary growth factors necessary foroptimal and accelerated wound healing. There is also some evidence thatacemannan may interfere with adherence of bacteria to epithelia cells.In addition to its immune modulation activities it has also been shownto have anti-inflammatory properties and aid in the control of pain. AnAloe vera cream was compared to silver sulfadiazine in second degreeburn patients and demonstrated significant improvement inre-epithelialization times as compared to silver sulfadiazine. The useof an aloe extract acemannan gel as a component of the present inventionprovides multiple attributes for accelerated healing, inflammation andpain control. Aloe vera gel or its extract, bulk acetylated mannans fromAloe vera (acemannan) have not been shown to be toxic or cause allergicreaction at the concentrations used in the present invention and any oneof these products would be suitable for use. An anhydrous form of Aloevera gel extract was utilized in the present invention. Theconcentration of anhydrous Aloe vera gel extract acemannan in the firstembodiment of the present invention can range from 0.01-1.0 w/w %, inthe second embodiment from 0.05-0.3 w/w %, and a third embodiment from0.075-0.2 w/w %.

Tetra acetic acid compounds can be used in the present invention as astabilizer for silver salt. Tetra acetic acid chelating compoundsinclude, but are not limited to, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA),ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA), and 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic (BAPTA). Topical exposure of Disodium EDTAfor 4 hours in a human patch test showed no reactivity thus it is anexcellent stabilizer for topical products. In addition, it has beenshown that EDTA in conjunction with a silver salt, more specificallysilver nitrate, significantly increased the antibacterial action of thesilver. The concentration of edetate disodium in the first embodiment ofthe current invention can range from 0.01-5.0 w/w %, in a secondembodiment from 0.1-2.5 w/w %, and in a third embodiment from 0.25-1.0w/w %.

A second stabilizer and dispersant that can be included in thecomposition is polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). PVP has been used as adispersant for Aloe vera gel, gel concentrates and gel extracts as wellas for silver salt antimicrobial matrix products. The concentration ofPVP in the first embodiment of the present invention can range from0.1-5.0 w/w %, in a second embodiment from 0.5-2.5 w/w %, and in a thirdembodiment from 1.0-2.0 w/w %.

Polysorbates are sorbitan esters, also known as Tweens, serve asnon-ionic surfactants. These groups of compounds known aspolyoxyethylene derivatives are fatty acid esters of sorbitolcopolymerized with ethylene oxide. It has been demonstrated thatpolysorbate 80 increases Pseudomonas aeruginosa cell permeabilityincreasing cell leakage. However, the effect on growth rate of thebacteria was not impacted. Polysorbate surfactants are currently usedwith multiple antimicrobial drugs to increase their pharmacologicactivity. In the current invention polysorbate can be used as asurfactant and microbial membrane permeability enhancer. Polysorbatecompounds that can be chosen and used for the present invention include,but are not limited to, laurate ester; palmitate ester; mixture ofstearate and palmitate esters and oleate ester. The concentration ofpolysorbate in the first embodiment of the present invention can rangefrom 0.01-0.2 w/w %, in the second embodiment from 0.05-0.175 w/w %, anda third embodiment from 0.075-0.125 w/w %.

Allantoin, (2,5-Dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)urea, is the diureide ofglyoxylic acid. Allantoin has been used in wound healing preparationsfor many years and has been approved as a skin protectant by the UnitedStates Food and Drug Administration. It currently is considered safe foruse as an oral wound healing agent and in addition has a reported use inthe treatment of burns as the silver salt. The concentration ofallantoin in the first embodiment of the present invention can rangefrom 0.0001-2.0 w/w %, a second embodiment from 0.1-1.5 w/w %, and athird embodiment from 0.5-1.0 w/w %.

Humectants are hygroscopic substances that have the ability to absorb ordonate moisture to a wound. If a wound is dry, a humectant substancewill absorb moisture from the environment and help maintain a moistwound environment for more optimal healing. If a wound is producing moreserous fluid then humectant substances can aid in absorption of theextra fluid, helping maintain a more appropriate wound environment. Thecurrent invention utilizes three different humectants in thecomposition; propylene glycol, panthenol and glycerin. In addition tohaving humectant and moisturizing properties, panthenol is a precursorto vitamin B5, pantothenic acid, and is essential for synthesis ofkeratinocyte growth factor and fibroblast proliferation critical tooptimal and accelerated wound healing. Glycerin or glycerol is theprinciple humectant in the current invention. Glycerin is veryhygroscopic making it ideal in the absorption or donation of moisture.The humectants as part of the compositions separate the currentinvention from current art for hydrogel dressings. The concentration ofpropylene glycol in the first embodiment of the present invention canrange from 0.01-1.0 w/w %, a second embodiment from 0.05-0.5 w/w %, anda third embodiment from 0.15-0.3 w/w %. The concentration of panthenolin the first embodiment of the present invention can range from 0.1-3.0w/w %, a second embodiment from 0.5-2.0 w/w %, and a third embodimentfrom 0.75-1.5 w/w %. The concentration of glycerin in the firstembodiment of the present invention can range from 1-25 w/w %, a secondembodiment from 5-20 w/w %, and a third embodiment from 10-15 w/w %.

Nonionic water soluble polymers have been used for many years ascomponents of therapeutic products as binders, stabilizers, suspendingagents and thickeners. These polymers are generally non-irritating andnon-allergenic. Examples of these polymers that are acceptable for usein the present invention include, but are not limited to,hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose,hypromellose, ethylcellulose, or their derivatives. The concentration inthe first embodiment of the current invention can range from 0.01-5.0w/w %, a second embodiment from 0.25-2.5 w/w %, and a third embodimentfrom 0.5-1.5 w/w %.

A buffering agent is utilized in the present invention to achieve a pHappropriate for optimal wound healing. Buffers suitable for use include,but are not limited to, sodium hydroxide (NaOH), triethanolamine andtromethamine. The desired pH in the first embodiment for the presentinvention can range from 4-7.4.

The Examples of compositions that follow were compounded by addingingredients except glycerin to pharmaceutical grade water (USP PurifiedWater) at a temperature of 35 to 50° C. and mixing using a rotary mixerat speeds from 400 to 1500 rpm to allow for sufficient agitation tosolubilize and disperse the ingredients. Dependent on the volume andmixer used, mixer speeds can vary. Total time for appropriate mixingvaried dependent on materials selected to allow for ingredientsolubilization and dispersion but in general, mixing was carried out forup to 4 hours. The last step in the formulation process was the additionof glycerin while cooling, mixing for 30 minutes to arrive at the finalantimicrobial therapeutic hydrogel composition. Ingredients arecommercially available.

Example 1

An embodiment of the present invention was compounded as described todetermine materials compatibility and range of material usage.

Silver citrate salt 1.5 ppm, Aloe vera acemannan 0.15 w/w %,hydroxyethylcellulose 1 w/w %, polyvinylpyrrolidone 1.5 w/w %, disodiumEDTA 0.5 w/w %, DL-panthenol 1 w/w %, propylene glycol 0.2 w/w %,glycerin 15 w/w %, purified water 79.6%, buffered with 0.1 M sodiumhydroxide to pH 6.5.

Example 2

An embodiment of the present invention was compounded as described todetermine materials compatibility and range of material usage.

Silver citrate salt 15 ppm, Aloe vera acemannan 0.15 w/w %,hydroxyethylcellulose 1.0 w/w %, polyvinylpyrrolidone 1.5 w/w %,disodium EDTA 0.5 w/w %, allantoin 0.6 w/w %, DL-panthenol 1.0 w/w %,propylene glycol 0.2 w/w %, polysorbate 0.1 w/w %, glycerin 12 w/w %,purified water 69.9 w/w %, buffered with 0.1 M triethanolamine to pH6.15.

Example 3

An embodiment of the present invention was compounded as described todetermine materials compatibility and range of material usage.

Silver citrate salt 36 ppm, Aloe vera acemannan 0.15 w/w %,Carboxymethylcellulose 1.75 w/w %, polyvinylpyrrolidone 1.5 w/w %,disodium EDTA 0.5 w/w %, allantoin 0.6 w/w %, DL-panthenol 1 w/w %,propylene glycol 0.2 w/w %, glycerin 15 w/w %, purified water 53.3%,buffered with 0.1M triethanolamine to pH 5.7.

Example 4

An embodiment of the present invention was compounded as described todetermine materials compatibility and range of material usage.

Silver citrate salt 50 ppm, Aloe vera acemannan 0.15 w/w %,hydroxyethylcellulose 1.0 w/w %, polyvinylpyrrolidone 3.0 w/w %,disodium EDTA 0.6 w/w %, allantoin 1.5 w/w %, DL-panthenol 1.0 w/w %,propylene glycol 0.2 w/w %, glycerin 15 w/w %, purified water 35.4 w/w%, buffered with 0.1 M triethanolamine to pH 5.8.

Example 5

An embodiment of the present invention was compounded as described todetermine materials compatibility and range of material usage.

Silver citrate salt 75 ppm, Aloe vera acemannan 0.15 w/w %,hydroxyethylcellulose 1.0 w/w %, polyvinylpyrrolidone 1.5 w/w %,disodium EDTA 0.5 w/w %, DL-panthenol 1.0 w/w %, propylene glycol 0.2w/w %, glycerin 15 w/w %, purified water 53.3 w/w %, buffered with 0.1 Msodium hydroxide to pH 6.2.

Example 6

An embodiment of the present invention was compounded as described todetermine materials compatibility and range of material usage.

Silver benzoate salt 100 ppm, Aloe vera acemannan 0.15 w/w %,hydroxyethylcellulose 1.0 w/w %, polyvinylpyrrolidone 1.5 w/w %,disodium EDTA 0.5 w/w %, allantoin 0.6 w/w %, DL-panthenol 1.0 w/w %,propylene glycol 0.2 w/w %, polysorbate 0.1 w/w %, glycerin 12 w/w %,purified water 70.0 w/w %, buffered with 0.1 M triethanolamine to pH6.35.

Example 7

An embodiment of the present invention was compounded as described todetermine materials compatibility and range of material usage.

Silver nitrate salt 1000 ppm, Aloe vera acemannan 0.15 w/w %,hydroxyethylcellulose 1.0 w/w %, polyvinylpyrrolidone 1.5 w/w %,disodium EDTA 0.5 w/w %, allantoin 0.6 w/w %, DL-panthenol 1.0 w/w %,propylene glycol 0.2 w/w %, polysorbate 0.1 w/w %, glycerin 12 w/w %,purified water 70.0 w/w %, buffered with 0.1 M triethanolamine to pH5.99.

Example 8

The antimicrobial activity of silver citrate (SC) in USP Purified Waterand silver antimicrobial hydrogel (SC-Gel), described herein in Example2, was tested using the microtube dilution method for determiningminimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) listed in the chart below. Inbrief, a standard inoculum (100 μL of a 1:200 dilution of a 0.5MacFarland turbidity standard) of each microorganism was prepared instandard growth media and added to equal volumes of two-fold serialdilutions of SC and SC-Gel. MICs were determined visually as the highestdilution of SC, or SC-Gel, that inhibited growth after incubating themixtures overnight at 35° C., except for Candida albicans, whichrequired 48 hrs incubation. Mixtures demonstrating no growth remainedclear while mixtures exhibiting growth turned cloudy. The MIC dilutionwas converted to μg/mL by multiplying the neat drug (Ag⁺) concentrationby the dilution appropriate dilution factor.

This example demonstrates that the composition of the SC-Gel outperformSC alone in the diverse selection of microorganisms tested.

SC SC Gel MIC Liquid MIC Microorganism ATCC # Type (SD) (SD) NAcinetobacter 15308 GNR 0.29 (0.20) 1.90 (0.99) 11 baumanni BacillusColorado GPR 0.47 (0.00) 1.88 (0.00) 3 anthracis Sterne Dept of PublicHealth and Environment Candida 10231 Yeast 0.15 (0.06) 3.01 (3.22) 11albicans Escherichia coli 25922 GNR 0.34 (0.15) 1.59 (0.43) 11Enterococcus 29212 GPC 0.98 (0.73) 6.88 (0.68) 11 faecalis Pseudomonas27853 GNR 0.83 (1.18) 2.30 (1.22) 11 aeruginosa Staphylococcus  6538 GPC0.17 (0.07) 5.62 (2.60) 11 aureus Staphylococcus 29887 GPC 0.17 (0.07)1.29 (0.67) 11 epidermidis Staphylococcus 19615 GPC 0.10 (0.00) 1.04(0.45) 3 pyogenes ATCC = American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, VAGNR = gram negative rod; GPC = gram positive cocci; GPR = gram positiverods; MIC = Minimal inhibitory concentration (mg/mL); N = number ofreplicates; SC = silver citrate; SD = standard deviation

Example 9

The antimicrobial activity of silver antimicrobial hydrogel (SC-Gel),described herein in Example 2, was compared against two currentlymarketed drugs (miconazole/MIC and silver sulfadiazine/SSD) in a smallgroup of diverse microorganisms: Candida albicans (yeast); Pseudomonasaeruginosa (gram negative bacterium), Staphylococcus aureus (grampositive bacterium), and Trichomonas vaginalis (protozoan). Trichomonasvaginalis was tested as described in the next paragraph, and thebacteria and yeast were tested using the microtube dilution method forMIC determination. In brief, a standard inoculum (100 μL of a 1:200dilution of a 0.5 MacFarland turbidity standard) of each microorganismwas prepared in standard growth media and added to equal volumes oftwo-fold serial dilutions of SC and SC-Gel. MICs were determinedvisually as the highest dilution of SC, or SC-Gel, that inhibited growthafter incubating the mixtures overnight at 35° C., except for C.albicans, which required 48 hrs incubation. Mixtures demonstrating nogrowth remained clear while mixtures exhibiting growth turned cloudy.The MIC dilution was converted to μg/mL by multiplying the neat drug(Ag⁺) concentration by the dilution appropriate dilution factor.

Trichomonas vaginalis was purchased from BioMed Diagnostics Inc, WhiteCity, Oreg. and subcultured per the manufacturer instructions inInPouch™ TVC Subculture Medium. On the day of subculturing, 50 μL of T.vaginalis live culture was added to 250 μL of a 50:50 mixture of SC-Geland InPouch™ TVC Subculture Medium (test), as well as a 50:50 mixture ofsterile deionized water and InPouch™ TVC Subculture Medium (control).After 4 days incubation at 30° C., 50 μL of test and control solutionwere viewed under 400× microscopically. SC-Gel test mixture revealed 0-1non-motile T. vaginalis organisms/microscopic field, and the controlmixture revealed 3-4 motile T. vaginalis organisms/microscopic field.These data suggest SC-Gel inhibits or kills T. vaginalis at theconcentration tested (7.5 μg/mL).

This example demonstrates that the constituents of the SC-Gel appear tohave equal too or greater potency than silver sulfadiazine in inhibitingthe growth of tested strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa andStaphylococcus aureus, and demonstrates that it has greater inhibitoryproperties against Candida albicans than Miconazole as well as havinginhibitory properties against Trichomonas vaginalis. In-toto, these datasuggest SC-Gel exhibits a very broad antimicrobial range, coveringbacteria (gram positive and gram negative), yeast, and protozoans.

Microorganism ATCC SC Gel (SD) MZL (SD) SSD (SD) Candida 10231 0.16(0.06) N = 9 0.49 (0.17) N/A albicans N = 3 Pseudomonas 27853 1.56(1.69) N = 6 N/A 2.36 (0.94) aeruginosa N = 4 Staphylococcus 6538 0.47(0.00) N = 3 N/A 0.47 (0.00) aureus N = 3 ATCC = American Type CultureCollection, Manassas, VA MZL = Miconazole; SC = silver citrate; SSD =silver sulfadiazine; SD = standard deviation; N/A not applicable fororganism tested

Example 10

An eight-year old equine gelding suffered a severe substantiallaceration to the right rear hock. The wound extended from right belowthe joint and was approximately 22.5 cm by 14 cm extending from themedial to the lateral side of the canon bone with the depth visuallyexposing the joint capsule. The horse was placed on systemic antibioticsfor one week and a topical antimicrobial. The wound wasn't progressingin healing and the animal's topical primary dressing was changed to thesilver antimicrobial hydrogel dressing described in Example 2. The woundwas treated every other day and bandaged. Wound color rapidly improvedwith enhanced granulation formation and wound shrinkage was observedwithin 7 days of initiation of therapy. Treatments have progressed withwound improvement over an eight-week period. The animal exhibited nopain from the administration of the dressing.

Example 11

A 42 year old female Caucasian presented with a first-degree burn to theforearm. The patient was treated with the silver antimicrobial hydrogeldescribed in Example 2. The patient applied the composition without asecondary dressing three to four times per day for two days. Prior toapplication of the hydrogel pain was assessed using the Pain QualityAssessment Scale (PQAS); results are as follows: hot scored 1, coldscored 4, sensitivity to touch scored 2, and surface pain scored 2.After application of the hydrogel, pain was reassessed using the PQAS,results are as follows: hot scored 0, cold scored 0, sensitivity totouch scored 0, and surface pain scored 0. Upon application of thecomposition pain subsided within less than one minute. After two daysthe signs and symptoms had abated.

Example 12

A 57 year old male Caucasian presented with herpes labialis, commonlyknown as a fever blister. The patient reported a history of recurrentepisodes of herpes labialis outbreaks. The silver antimicrobial hydrogeldescribed in Example 2 was applied to the patient's lesion approximatelyfour times a day as needed based on onset of a painful muco-cutaneoussensation. Complete loss of pain sensation was experienced within lessthan one minute after application of the antimicrobial hydrogel. Nosigns and symptoms of the herpes labialis infection were observed afterthree days of treatment with the composition.

REFERENCES CITED

The following documents and publications are hereby incorporated byreference.

RELATED U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

4,735,935 April 1988 McAnalley 4,851,224 July 1989 McAnalley 4,966,892October 1990 McAnalley 4,959,214 September 1990 McAnalley 4,957,907September 1990 McAnalley 4,917,890 April 1990 McAnalley 5,118,673 June1992 Carpenter 5,106,616 April 1992 McAnalley 5,308,838 May 1994McAnalley 5,441,943 August 1995 McAnalley 5,487,899 January 1996 Davis5,703,060 December 1997 McAnalley et al. 5,760,102 June 1998 Hall5,902,600 May 1999 Woller, et al. 5,902,796 May 1999 Shand et al.6,274,548 August 2001 Ni et al. 6,436,679 August 2002 Qiu et al.7,196,072 March 2007 Pasco et al. 7,553,805 June 2009 Tichy et al.7,732,486 June 2010 Arata b 7,842,317 November 2010 Kiani 7,863,264January 2011 Vange, et al.

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

US 2008152697 February, 2002 US WO 2006015317 July 2004 WO GB 2028130March 1980 GB CA 1216520 January 1987 CA RU 2317811 February 2008 RU WO03090799 November 2003 WO

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

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Effect of polysorbate 80 on cell leakage    and viability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exposed to rapid changes of    pH, temperature and tonicity. J. Gen. Microbiol; 56; 1969: 99-207-   Castellano J. J., Shafii S. M., Ko F., Donate G, Wright T. E.,    Mannari R. J., Payne W. G., Smith D. J., Robson M. C. Comparative    evaluation of silver-containing antimicrobial dressings and drugs.    International Wound Journal: 4; 2007: 114-122-   CDC Worker Health Chartbook 2004,    www.cdc.govniosh/docs/2004-146/ch2/ch2-7-4.asp.htm.-   Chang T. & Weinstein L., In vitro activity of Silver Sulfadiazine    against Herpes virus hominis. Journal of Infectious Disease: Vol    132, No 1; July 1975: 79-81-   Desai M. H., Rutan R. L., Heggers J. P., Herndon D. N. Candida    infection with and without nystatin prophylaxis, an 11-year    experience with patients with burn injury. Arch Surg, Vol 127;    February 1992: 159-162-   Djokic S., Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of silver citrate    complexes. Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications: Article ID    436458; Vol 2008: 1-7-   Drake P. & Hazelwood K., Exposure-related health effects of silver    and silver compounds: a review. Oxford University Press, Vol 49.    No 7. 2005: 575-585-   Fan, K, Tang, J., Escandon, J., Kirsner, R. S., State of the art in    topical wound-healing products. Journal of Plastic and    Reconstructive Surgery. 127 (Suppl.); 2011: 44S-59S Ferri: Ferri's    Clinical Advisor 2011, 1st ed., Mosby, Elsevier Press; 2010-   Glasser J S, Guymon C H, Mende K, Wolf S E, Hospenthal D R, and    Murray C K. Activity of topical antimicrobial agents against    multidrug-resistant bacteria recovered from burn patients. Burns 36;    2010: 1172-1184-   Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacologic Basis of Therapeutics,    Brunton, Lawrence L., Lazo, John S., Parker, Keith L., 11^(th) Ed;    2006: 1105-1109-   Hamilton-Miller J. M. T. & Shah S. A microbiological assessment of    silver fusidate, a novel topical antimicrobial agent. Int J    Antimicrobial Agents: 7; 1996: 97-99-   Jacobsen F, Fisahn, C, Sorkin, M, Thiele I, Hirsch T, Stricker I,    Klaasen T, Roemer A, Fugmann B, Steinstraesser L. Efficacy of    topical delivered Moxifloxacin against MRSA and Pseudomonas    aeruginosa wound infection. Antimicrobial Agents Chemotherapy, doi:    10.1128/AAC.01071-10, AAC, American Society for Microbiology, 22    Feb. 2011-   Jettanacheawchankit S, Sasithanasate S, Sangvanich P, Banlunara W,    and Thunyakitpisal P. Acemannan stimulates gingival fibroblast    proliferation; expressions of keratinocyte growth factor-1, vascular    endothelial growth factor and type I collagen; and wound healing. J.    Pharmacol Sci: 109; 2009: 525-531-   Karlsmark, T, Agerslev R H, Bendz S H, Larsen Jr, Roed-Petersxen J,    Andersen K E. Clinical performance of a new silver dressing,    Contreet Foam, for chronic exuding venous leg ulcers. Journal of    Wound Care: Vol. 12, No. 9; 2003: 351-354-   Kaur P, Vadehra D V. Effect of certain chelating agents on the    antibacterial action of silver nitrate. J Hyg Epidemiol Microbiol    Immunol: 32(3); 1988: 299-306-   Khorasani G, Hosseinmehr S J, Azadbakht M, Zamani A, Mandavi M R.    Aloe Versus Silver Sulfadiazine Creams for second-degree burns: a    randomized controlled study. Surg Today: 39; 2009: 587-591-   Kobayashi D, Kusama M, Onda M, and Nakahata N. The effect of    pantothenic acid deficiency on keratinocyte proliferation and the    synthesis of keratinocyte growth factor and collagen in fibroblasts.    J Pharmacol Sci: 115; 2011: 230-234-   Krizek T J, Robson M C. Evolution of quantitative bacteriology in    wound management. Am J Surg: 130; 1975: 579-584-   Lansdown, A B G. A pharmacological and toxicological profile of    silver as an antimicrobial agent in medical devices. Advances in    Pharmacological Sciences: ID 910686; Volume 2010: 1-16-   Latenser, B. A., Burn Treatment Guidelines, Bope: Conn's Current    Therapy 2011, 1^(st) Ed. Lee J H, Chae J D, Kim D G, Hong S H, Lee W    M, and Ki M. Staphylococcus aureus. Korean J Lab Med: 30; 2010: 20-7-   Loh J. et al., Silver resistance in MRSA isolated form wound and    nasal sources in humans and animals. Int Wound J: 6; 2009: 32-38-   Manuo S, Saekl T. Femtosecond laser direct writing of metallic    microstructures by photo-reduction of silver nitrate in a polymer    matrix. Opt Express: 16(2); 2008 Jan. 21: 1174-1179-   Martin L K. Wound microbiology and the use of antibacterial agents.    In: Falabella A F, Kirstner R S, eds. Wound Healing. Boca Raton,    Fla.: Taylor and Francis Group; 2005: 83-101-   Mandell: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of    Infectious Diseases. 7th ed.; Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier Press;    2009:1-4-   Panacek A, Kolar M, Vecerova R, Prucek R, Soukupova J, Krystof V,    Hamal P, Zboril R, and Kvitek L. Antifungal activity of silver    nanoparticles against Candida spp. Biomaterials: 30; 2009: 6333-6340-   Poor M R, Hall J E, Poor A S. Reduction in the incidence of alveolar    osteitis in patients treated with the SaliCept patch, containing    acemannan hydrogel. J Oral Maxillofac Surg: 60(4); 2002 April:    374-379-   Rai M, Yadav A, Gade A. Silver nanoparticles as a new generation of    antimicrobials. Biotechnology Advances: 27; 2009: 76-83-   Remington, The Science and Practice of Pharmacy. 21^(st) Edition,    Part 5; 2006: 1080-   Remington, The Science and Practice of Pharmacy. 21^(st) Edition,    Part 7; 2006: 1290-   Report of Data From 1999-2008. American Burn Association, National    Burn Repository, version 5, 2009-   Reynolds T, Aloes, The genus Aloe. Medicinal and Aromatic    Plants-Industrial Profiles. CRC Press, 2004. Chapt 9-11-   Roberts D B, Travis El. Acemannan-containing wound dressing gel    reduces radiation-induced skin reactions in C3H mice. Int J Radiat    Oncol Biol Phys: 32(4); 1995 Jul. 15: 1047-1052-   Robson M C. Wound infection a failure of wound healing caused by an    imbalance of bacteria. Surgical Clinics of North America: Vol 77,    Isse 3; Jun. 4, 1997: 637-650-   Shimizu F., et al. Specific inactivation of Herpes Simplex Virus by    silver nitrate at low concentrations and biological activities of    the inactivated virus. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy; July    1976: 57-63-   Toxicology of Disodium EDTA.National Library of Medicine, Toxicology    Data Network    http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/f?./temp/˜I6Z04s:1-   http://www.ameriburn.org/resources_factsheet.php

What is claimed is:
 1. An antimicrobial hydrogel comprising: (a) asoluble silver salt; (b) acemannan; and (c) ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid (EDTA) in a concentration of 0.01-5 w/w %; wherein the solublesilver salt is anhydrous or hydrous stabilized having a concentration ofionic silver in the range of 0.01-100 ppm; and wherein the acemannan hasa concentration of 0.01 to 1.0 w/w %.
 2. The composition of claim 1,wherein the silver salt is selected from the group consisting of silvercitrate, silver dihydrogen citrate, silver chloride, silver acetate,silver nitrate, silver fusidate, silver benzoate, silver gluconate, andsilver galacturonate.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein theacemannan is in an anhydrous form, and wherein the acemannan wasseparated using an alcohol precipitation method, a column purificationmethod or an ultrafiltration method in an aqueous vehicle.
 4. Thecomposition of claim 1, further comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone.
 5. Thecomposition of claim 4, wherein the polyvinylpyrrolidone is in theconcentration of 0.1 to 5.0 w/w %.
 6. The composition of claim 1,further comprising a sorbitan ester.
 7. The composition of claim 6,further comprising the sorbitan ester, polysorbate.
 8. The compositionof claim 7, wherein the concentration of polysorbate is 0.01-0.2 w/w %.9. The composition of claim 1, further comprising allantoin.
 10. Thecomposition of claim 9, wherein the concentration of allantoin is0.0001-2.0 w/w %.
 11. The composition of claim 1, further comprising thehumectant, panthenol.
 12. The composition of claim 11, wherein panthenolis in the concentration of 0.1-3.0 w/w %.
 13. The composition of claim1, further comprising the humectant, propylene glycol.
 14. Thecomposition of claim 13, wherein propylene glycol is in theconcentration of 0.01-1.0 w/w %.
 15. The composition of claim 1, furthercomprising a humectant.
 16. The composition of claim 1, furthercomprising a non-ionic water soluble polymer.
 17. The composition ofclaim 16, wherein the non-ionic water soluble polymer ishydroxyethylcellulose.
 18. The composition of claim 16, wherein thenon-ionic water soluble polymer is carboxymethylcellulose.
 19. Thecomposition of claim 16, wherein the non-ionic water soluble polymer ishydroxypropylcellulose.
 20. The composition of claim 16, wherein theconcentration of non-ionic water soluble polymer is 0.01-5.0 w/w %. 21.The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is buffered to a pH4-7.4.
 22. A method of treating bacteria, fungi, protozoa and/or virusinfected wounds/lesions or burns in a subject, comprising topicallyadministering to the subject an effective amount of the composition ofclaim
 1. 23. A method of treating bacteria, fungi, protozoa and/or virusinfected wounds/lesions or burns in a subject, comprising topicallyadministering to the subject an effective amount of the composition ofclaim
 16. 24. A method of treating bacteria, fungi, protozoa and/orvirus infected wounds/lesions or burns in a subject, comprisingtopically administering to the subject an effective amount of thetherapeutic composition of claim 16, wherein the therapeutic compositionhas more potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity than itscorresponding aqueous silver salt alone.
 25. A method of treating awound/lesion or burn in a subject, comprising topically administering tothe subject an effective amount of the therapeutic composition of claim16, wherein the therapeutic composition will create a physiologicenvironment for optimal and/or accelerated wound healing.
 26. A methodof treating a wound/lesion or burn in a subject, comprising topicallyadministering to the subject an effective amount of the composition ofclaim 16 that relieves pain.
 27. A method of treating a wound/lesion orburn in a subject, comprising topically administering to the subject aneffective amount of the composition of claim 16 that will absorb ordonate moisture for optimal physiologic healing of the wound/lesion orburn.